Carved Ivory Ganesh

This exceptionally fine and well-carved image shows Ganesh, the Hindu elephant-headed deity associated with the removal of obstacles. The style and fineness of the carving suggests a northern Indian or Himalayan provenance, possibly Nepal.

It has been carved intricately from ivory and shows Ganesh seated in a position of ease, with four arms and dressed in copious jewellery including a waist belt formed from a naga. Ganesh is seated beneath an aureole of pierced petals or flames. His left leg rests over a large rat, which is Ganesh’s vahana or celestial vehicle. The trunk curls to Ganesh’s left and is in a bowl of sweets being held by the deity’s lower left arm.

The ivory has a good, yellowed patina consistent with an 18th century dating and possibly earlier.

The item is in excellent condition.